5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS MT. MERU TREKKING

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be picked up and driven by private transfer to Arusha, to your booked hotel. Your guide will come and give you an introduction to the whole trip.

Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge
Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast

Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Early morning departure to Momella Gate of Arusha National Park (1,500 m). After the formalities for entering the park, we begin our hike, led by a park ranger, who will accompany us for our safety. The route runs through open grasslands and offers the chance to see buffalo, warthogs and other wildlife. The path continues as a steady ascent through a dense tropical mountain forest. We have lunch near a giant fig tree arch. Our hike continues through less dense forests, in which there are many birds and black and white colobus monkeys. In the late afternoon, weather permitting, we can see towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. We reach the Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m), which lies on an idyllic grass clearing, in time to enjoy the last rays of the afternoon sun and a wonderful view over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Time:4-5 hours

The walk from the Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below the Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. We slowly ascend through lush mountain forests and reach the "Elephant Ridge" halfway through the hike. From here we enjoy an excellent view of the summit ridge and the crater floor. The path continues through other fascinating moor vegetation to Saddle-Hut (3,570 m), where you will be served lunch.

Accommodation: Saddle Hut
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We start early at around 2 a.m. and climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m). From here the path becomes demanding and requires full concentration and sure-footedness. At sunrise we reach an undulating ridge of ash and rocks and we reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The view is breathtaking: the cliffs of the crater rim, the ash cone protruding from the crater floor, Mount Kilimanjaro, which seems to float on the morning clouds, and when the weather is clear you can see to the west as far as the Rift Valley. The summit of 'Socialist Peak' (4,566 m) is an hour further on a good but steep path that can be slippery at times. After a couple of beautiful summit photos, we descend back to Saddle-Hut. The way to Rhino Point in the morning light on a narrow ridge will have a different charm than on the way there. After a hearty breakfast, we climb back to the Miriakamba Hut.

Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We take the direct route through open grassland and mixed forest with a good chance of spotting wild animals. This trail offers excellent views back to the crater and across the plains of the national park. We should get to Momella Gate in the late morning. At the gate we will say goodbye to our great crew and will be driven back to our hotel in Arusha or at the airport for dinner and overnight.